A recent study by Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) found that despite the publicity surrounding the massive Takata airbag recall, many consumers are unaware that their vehicle is on the recall list.
“Consumer opinions on the Takata airbag recall seem to be another unfortunate case of people thinking ‘it won’t happen to me,’ but this is easily the largest, more expensive automotive safety issue in U.S. history,” said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. “In fact, one in eight vehicles on the road are affected by this massive recall, yet 33 percent of those surveyed don’t know if they are impacted.”
Already, at least 13 deaths worldwide have been linked to the defective airbags. The Takata airbag recall is the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history, and it keeps expanding. Just last week, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration alerted owners of certain 2001-03 Honda and Acura vehicles to stop driving their cars, citing new data that shows the vehicles’ Takata airbag inflators have as much as a 50 percent chance of exploding in a crash. Repairs for the millions of defective vehicles are being prioritized based on the age of the vehicle.
The Kelly Blue Book report also noted that some automakers are still making and selling new vehicles that include the potentially deadly airbags. Consumers are unaware they are purchasing a car that will eventually be part of this recall.
Consumers are urged to check the recall list at https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/takata-recall-spotlight.
If you were the driver or a passenger in one of these recalled vehicles and were injured in a car crash, please call us at 251-471-6191 for legal advice. Our Mobile, Alabama personal injury lawyers will evaluate your potential case, free of charge.